We have been monitoring two bills over the past few months that were formally introduced in early summer and heard before both, Assembly and Senate committees. The bills relate to AB 386 / SB 292 (Dark Store) and AB 387 / SB 291 (Reversing the Walgreens v. City of Madison decision). Our CARW policy committee has discussed this, and the WRA policy committee is officially ‘neutral’ on the two bills, but have been working through our State lobbyist to help ensure that the bills don’t have unintended consequences for our industry. Most of our member concerns relate to the bill (AB 387/SB 291) or Walgreens bill that would in essence, have a negative effect on the investment real estate market. It cites large retailers including Walgreens, at the core of the problem. Past CARW chairman, Jeff Hoffman, attended both the Assembly and Senate hearings. A copy of the testimony can be seen here.
At this time, the Senate Committee on Revenue, Financial Institutions and Rural Issues may vote on the bills. We hope you will reach out if you have an interest in learning more.